2. Contact Info

3. Dealer Selection

2009 brought about nothing less than the comprehensive retooling of the transportation industry.

Who’s left? Who makes what? What’s new? Relax. We’ve got your back…and as always, the only complete, model-by-model review of all the new hardware for next year and the following. Your comprehensive search begins here, with PART ONE of our guide. Stay tuned over the next month as we will outline more than 160 new cars on sale for the 2010 and 2011 model year. (PART TWO AND THREE of our guide are available below) After that, we’ll follow with our Truck and SUV Buyers Guide.

STAR RATINGS:

Beats Walking

*

For Your Neighbors

**

Right On The Money

***

Fuel For Your Soul

****

Drive Before You Die

*****

ACURA RL

BASE PRICE: $48,000* BODY TYPE: Sedan

WHAT’S NEW: With rumors flying of a refresh coming for the 2011 model year, not much is changing for 2010. The RL continues with the 3.7L/300-hp V-6 and SH-AWD as standard equipment. Technology Package includes nav with voice recognition, real-time traffic, and backup camera. Optional Collision Mitigating Braking System detects vehicles ahead, and alerts the driver, pre-tensions the front seatbelts, and if a collision is imminent, applies the brakes.

COOL FACT: The 3.7L V-6 was the first time VTEC technology had been used on an SOHC engine for both intake and exhaust.

WHAT’S NEW: The biggest news for 2010 is two firsts: the availability of a manual transmission for the first time in the second-gen TL and the first time a manual has been paired with SH-AWD in any Acura. The TL SH-AWD 6MT (3.7L engine, AWD) also comes with Hill Start Assist and special suspension tuning. The front-drive TL returns for its sophomore year relatively unchanged.

COOL FACT: Because of the lighter transmission, the vehicle not only weighs 88 lb less overall, but the front/rear weight distribution improves from 59/41 to 58/42.

WHAT’S NEW: For the first time ever, the TSX will be offered with six-cylinder propulsion. The TSX V-6 will use a 280-hp, 3.5L engine, will have exclusive suspension tuning, and will ride on larger diameter wheels than the rest of the line. Sole transmission choice is a 5A with the six, but four-cylinder models can be had with the automatic or a 6M.

BEST BUY: Pairing the four with the wonderful six-speed manual won’t break the bank and provides race-rocket fun.

WHAT’S NEW: First introduced as a concept in 2003, the 8C finally arrived stateside in late 2008 as a 2009 model, ending a 12-year hiatus here by Alfa. The limited-edition coupe remains the same for 2010, but is joined by a spider stablemate. Although it is outfitted with a retuned Maserati V-8 and 6-sp auto-cl manual and is supported by a GrandSport-based chassis, the sumptuous and gorgeous supercar is an Alfa-and a rolling work of art, inside and out.

COOL FACT: The Competizione moniker is a tribute to the 6C 2500 Competizione driven by Juan Manuel Fangio and Augusto Zanardi in the 1950 Mille Miglia.

WHAT’S NEW: The DB9 receives few changes since its 2009 update, when the coupe and convertible were treated to 20-hp and 23-lb-ft power increases. Backing the handbuilt V-12 is a choice of 6M or 6A, the latter with rev-matched downshifts in Sport mode and more precise gear changes than in previous models. The interior is gorgeous; the softtop trimmed in Alcantara.

COOL FACT: Instead of a traditional shifter, the automatic uses pushbuttons on the dash and paddles on the wheel.

WHAT’S NEW: Whether you prefer the coupe or the Volante, you’ll be treated to Aston Martin‘s 510-hp, all-aluminum V-12 power. Volante is mechanically identical to the coupe, weighs only about 200 pounds more, and is said to retain 85-90 percent of the chassis rigidity of the coupe. Its softtop keeps weight down and retracts in 14 seconds.

COOL FACT: When the top’s down, the 13-speaker Bang and Olufsen system recalibrates for the extra ambient noise.

WHAT’S NEW: The One-77 is a limited edition. How limited? Only 77 will be built. It’s powered by a 7.3L V-12, an evolution of the 5.9L V-12 elsewhere in the line. Between the engine’s 700-plus hp and the lightweight carbon-fiber monocoque, this is essentially a street-legal racer. Other features include ceramic brakes, fully adjustable shocks, 6M auto-clutch.

COOL FACT: Put a 700-hp engine in a 3300-lb car and you get a 4.7-lb/hp weight-to-power ratio.

WHAT’S NEW: While the company created plenty of anticipation for the car since its first concept was shown in 2006, new ownership has caused on-sale delays. Rapide has four full-size seats and room for luggage, yet is said to have performance, dynamics, and handling of a sport coupe. Much hardware-including engine, transmission-is shared with the DB9.

WHAT’S NEW: If you can consider a six-figure pricetag entry level, V8 Vantage is least-expensive way to get behind the wheel of a new Aston. It may not have the same power as other vehicles in line, but it’s more nimble and, with last year’s displacement and power increases, more competitive with the 911-but you don’t get these curves with a Porsche.

DRIVER’S CHOICE: Opt for the Sports Pack, with stiffer springs and shocks and lightweight alloy wheels.

WHAT’S NEW: The 3.2L has left the building, and a 2.0L clean diesel arrives with 140 hp, 236 lb-ft, and over 40 highway mpg. Other notable changes include a simplified line offering of Premium and Premium Plus, standard S-Line exterior trim on all models, new optional aluminum roof rails, and a new nav system with optional Audi music interface.

OUR TAKE: With the new VW Golf and GTI on the scene, the A3 has little to add to the five-door conversation.

WHAT’S NEW: The highly anticipated S4 sedan, sporting a 3.0L supercharged V-6 and either a 6M or an all-new 7-sp dual-clutch transmission, zooms onto the scene this fall. S4s also get a new quattro system with a sport rear differential that varies torque between rear wheels to further eliminate understeer. A4 3.2 variant is discontinued.

WHAT’S NEW: Two ragtops, both appearing late in 2009. The A5 convertible comes with new 211-hp, 2.0L turbo four (265-hp V-6 is optional), while S5 is propelled by a supercharged 3.0L mated to 7A dual-clutch and just like the new S4, it comes with the new quattro system. A5 coupe also gets the 2.0L, but 3.2L V-6 loses its manual tranny.

WHAT’S NEW: Unlike other Audi models, A6 gets a revised 3.2L engine with Audi Valvelift System, bringing a 10-hp bump up to 265. All A6 models offer 18-in. wheels in a Sport package and third-generation MMI is now standard across line with or without navigation. The S6 remains the same for 2010 except once optional rear heated seats are now standard.

BEST BUY: Supercharged 3.0T with quattro is a decently powered and equipped luxury sedan at a very competitive price.

WHAT’S NEW: Based on the sleek and sexy Sportback concept, all-new A7 is Audi’s response to “coupe as sedan” market trend. While concept sported a 3.0L TDI, A7 is expected to arrive with engine offerings similar to the more powerful options of the A6/S6, along with a new 7-sp transmission.

COOL FACT: Latest gen of Multi Media Interface voice input and guidance system uses “synthetic language” enabling it to understand complete words in a number of national languages.

WHAT’S NEW: The S8 is gone, as is the W-12 engine, limiting the offerings to two models, A8 and A8L and one engine, the 350-hp V-8. Both models now have LED daytime running lights as standard. The base model gains the departed S8’s trunklid, and the long-wheelbase version adds ventilated/massage seats.

COOL FACT: The A8’s aluminum panels over an aluminum space-frame predates Aston Martin’s Rapide by years.

WHAT’S NEW: R8 now available in extra supercar guise, courtesy of a 525-hp 5.2L FSI V-10-slightly detuned version of the Lambo engine. And, to go with added power, optional carbon-fiber showoff bits include doorsill inserts and exterior mirrors and body elements. Other new options are titanium-finish wheels and LED headlights (standard on V-10).

DRIVER’S CHOICE: Like you had to ask: the R8 5.2 FSI quattro with the manual tranny, of course.

WHAT’S NEW: Ingolstadt eliminated the 2.0T FWD version and all 3.2L variants for the TT, and simplified the TTS’s line offerings to two, Premium and Prestige, while adding an S-line package for the TT. New standard features include Bluetooth, HomeLink, and a power top for the roadsters. A new nav system with improved graphics is also available for all models.

DRIVER’S CHOICE: Fickle we are not: The TTS roadster is still our preferred ride.

WHAT’S NEW: The Bentley is celebrating the end of the flagship’s 10-year run with the Arnage Final Series, an exclusive, 150-car edition, which calls attention to itself with myriad “Final Series” insignia placed inside and out, including on a stainless-steel flask and accompanying shot glasses. The Arnage R, T, RL model levels are no longer available for ordering.

COOL FACT: The first Bentley V-8 was designed and built in 1959 for the S2 Saloon; it produced 200 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.

WHAT’S NEW: Flying Spur/Speed received a boot-load of updates in 2009. Minimal changes for 2010 are limited to two new exterior colors (Aquamarine and Blue Crystal) and one new interior color (Aquamarine). Blue-tint engine-turned aluminum interior fascia/door trim also optional.

COOL FACT: The Flying Spur is the fastest four-door in the company’s history, reaching 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 sec and with a top speed of 195 mph.

WHAT’S NEW: Brand new (for the U.S.) last year, the four-car 1 Series lineup should remain basically unchanged for sophomore outing, offering myriad standard amenities and a host of options. We can but wish for a turbodiesel version, similar to its next-in-line stablemate, as well as an M version, predicted to (maybe) arrive sometime in the mid teens.

COOL FACT: TeleService automatically notifies BMW center when service is needed, arranging for an appointment and readying parts.

WHAT’S NEW: Sedan and sportwagon models were freshened last year, with the former gaining a new turbodiesel engine. New M3 convertible brought total M offerings to an appropriate three. As such, the 2010 lineup is anticipated to be nearly identical, only expected changes being minor tweaks to coupe convertible and reworked package options for all models.

DRIVER’S CHOICE: The top-priced M3 Convertible with the 7-sp double-clutch gearbox for the bragging rights and the sheer fun factor.

WHAT’S NEW: The 550i Gran Turismo is a sedan, SUV, and Grand Touring coupe redesigned into one stunning package. Powered by a 400-hp twin-turbo V-8 mated to an all-new 8A tranny, full-size “hatch” is loaded with high-end features, such as the all-new fourth-gen iDrive. The 5 Series “regulars” should roll into showrooms in livery similar to 2009.

COOL FACT: Thanks to a unique internal arrangement, the two additional ratios (7 and 8) do not add bulk or weight relative to the 6-sp gearbox.

WHAT’S NEW: The big news for 2010 is the new X6 M (see upcoming “Truck/SUV Buyer’s Guide,” November 2009), which means the coupe and convertible sixers head into the year relatively unchanged. With the platformmate 550i GT getting the twin-turbo V-8, the super-sleek 6 Series just might get to share the wealth-the new 8A would be nice, too.

DRIVER’S CHOICE: The M6 coupe. Better looking than the convertible, and a more rigid platform for the go-fast mechanicals.

WHAT’S NEW: Ultimate luxury 760Li sedan is here, following on the heels of last year’s all-new 7 Series, wrapped around an all-new V-12 engine, producing 544 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. The new 8A arrives, and AWD becomes available. As befits a new flagship, the amenities list is as long as (or longer than) the 760Li.

WHAT’S NEW: Redesigned for 2009, the newest Z4 is propelled by two potent inline-sixes outfitted with performance-ready hardware and loaded with luxuries. On sale this past May, the 2010 version remains in similar trim. BMW has not announced plans for a new M version.

COOL FACT: The newest Z4 does without the traditional handbrake-an electrical button-activated unit takes its place.

WHAT’S NEW: Fastest production car in the world continues to be just that, now as coupe or Grand Sport roadster. Street-legal race car has civilized cabin of a GT. With a 253-mph top speed and 1001 hp brought on by a 16-cyl., VW AG-sourced engine, those select few who can actually afford this car will get to enjoy going 0-to-250 mph in less than a minute.

COOL FACT: Veyron has as many turbos (and as many cylinders) as four WRXes.

WHAT’S NEW: Aging full-size sedan gets a mild refresh with the topline Super now sharing its rocker panels and foglamps with the entire model lineup. New backlit instrument panel gauges have also been added for all four models. Other changes include the 3.9L engine upgrade, worth 27 hp, new optional 18-in. wheels for the Super, and new exterior colors.

AVOID: With the intro of the new, stylish and better-equipped LaCrosse, the larger Lucerne has become passe.

WHAT’S NEW: CTS Sport Wagon is Cadillac‘s first-ever North American wagon. New 3.0L direct-injection V-6 powers the base-model version (now standard across line); a 304-hp V-6 is optional, as is AWD. All-new wagon features power-operated liftgate, 53.4 cu ft of storage with rear seat folded down, and 19-in. wheels. Expect a CTS coupe in late 2010.

WHAT’S NEW: Not much. The advanced-aged DTS gets two new exterior colors, Vanilla Latte and Tuscan Bronze ChromaFlair, for 2010 and nothing more. A staple among chauffeured vehicles for hire, the DTS is still a decent American-made luxury sedan, however, as the current crisis in Detroit indicates, that just isn’t good enough anymore.

AVOID: Unless you’re going into the livery business, the DTS in all its trim levels is way past its sell-by date.

WHAT’S NEW: Paint. STS lineup now includes Vanilla Latte and Tuscan Bronze ChromaFlair paint choices. With money so tight (nonexistent), it isn’t surprising GM’s brands can focus on only one new model at a time, but a few new standard features would add to STS’s diminishing cachet.

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